Carlos Espósito and Kate Parlett (eds), The Cambridge Companion to the International Court of Justice (Cambridge University Press, 2023).

As international law has become more present in global policy-making, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has come to occupy an essential and increasingly visible role in international relations. This collection explores substantive developments within the ICJ and offers critical perspectives on its historical and contemporary role. It also examines the growing role of the ICJ in the settlement of international disputes and assesses the impact of the ICJ’s jurisprudence on various areas of international law, from territorial delimitation to human rights. With contributions from a diverse range of scholars and practitioners, this Companion combines legal perspectives with institutional and sociological insights on the functions of the ICJ and working of the ICJ. By considering the ICJ’s character, jurisdiction and effectiveness, this collection offers a varied and holistic account of the International Court of Justice, an institution whose significance and influence only increase by the day.

Carlos Espósito is Professor of Public International Law at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. He has taught at numerous universities and institutions around the world, including at the Hague Academy of International Law and as a visiting professor of law at the Universities of California, Berkeley. He has appeared as advocate before the International Court of Justice. Carlos was Vice President of the European Society of International Law and was formerly counsel and deputy legal advisor at the International Law Department of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

Kate Parlett is a barrister at Twenty Essex specialising in public international law and international arbitration. Kate regularly appears as an advocate before the International Court of Justice and other international tribunals and sits as arbitrator. Kate, a PhD from Cambridge University, has taught public international law, international investment and commercial arbitration, and international human rights law at the University of Cambridge, Paris-II University (Panthéon-Assas), Queen Mary University of London, Queen’s University of Canada, the University of Queensland, and the Graduate Institute in Geneva.

Endorsements for The Cambridge Companion to the International Court of Justice

‘This is an invaluable guide for both scholars and practitioners alike. It goes beyond a comprehensive examination of the Court’s procedures by offering a remarkable analysis of the Court’s role in a broader context and its contribution to the development of international law.’ Yuji Iwasawa, Judge, International Court of Justice

‘In twenty-two focused chapters, this collection offers insights into the ICJ’s practice of dispute settlement and its contribution to the development of international law. Readers new to the subject will find authoritative guidance, accessibly presented. Those acquainted with the Court may find some of their assumptions challenged. This is an important addition to the literature on the World Court.’ Prof. Christian J. Tams, University of Glasgow.